Siksika Nation declared a state of local emergency on Monday afternoon due to overland flooding as a result of the rapidly melting snow.

“Siksika Nation Chief and Council has identified that there is a risk to people, property and infrastructure,” a news release from the nation said, “and has mandated specific departments and services to plan and execute an emergency response plan to protect residential homes and commercial/industrial structures.”

He said the seven-day local state of emergency plan is in place and they will do “whatever it takes” to ensure safety.

Weasel Child said “the crisis is now” and is concerned about river flooding once the snowpack melts.

“This is the worst I have seen in my life on the nation,” he said. “Not comparing it to a flood but talking about overland flooding.”

He said the snow amounts are largest seen since recordings began in the 1940s.

An Alberta Emergency Alert was also issued for the nation at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, advising multiple roads are being closed and that people should “use extreme caution on all roads as some areas may not be marked as closed yet.”